Lionesses Largely Unchanged For France Friendly

England interim head coach Mo Marley has named a 24-player squad ahead of next week’s international against France.

The Lionesses will play Les Bleues at Stade du Hainaut in Valenciennes on Friday 20 October at 8pm (BST), with the game live on the BBC Red Button.

Marley has named a largely unchanged squad to that which beat Russia 6-0 at Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park last month, in England’s opening 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Karen Bardsley and Ellen White miss out through injury while Laura Bassett will not join up with the squad as she will be in Australia with her club Canberra United.

Marley told TheFA.com: “The squad put in an excellent performance against Russia last month and we want to keep that momentum going against France.

“We know France are an excellent side and it will be a tough challenge for us. It’s a good opportunity for me to see the players in action against top opposition, especially considering our two important home World Cup qualifiers next month.

“I am really looking forward to working with this group of staff and players over the next three games.”

The two teams last faced each other in this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euros, with England winning 1-0 thanks to a Jodie Taylor goal – the Lionesses’ first win over France in 43 years. England have since risen above France in the FIFA rankings, achieving an all-time high of third, while France are fourth.

Marley will also lead England through their final two matches of 2017 as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign later this autumn.

The Lionesses face Bosnia & Herzegovina at Banks’s Stadium in Walsall on Friday 24 November (7.05pm) and Kazakhstan at Colchester United’s Weston Homes Community Stadium on Tuesday 28 November (7.05pm).

Tickets for the games are on sale priced at just £1 each for children and concessions. An early bird adult ticket offer is available, priced £7.50, until Monday 25 September (full priced ticket is £10). Group booking and Charter Standard discounts also apply.

Tickets for both games can be bought by clicking here. England v Bosnia & Herzegovina tickets can also be purchased via 01992 651 414/416 and for England v Kazakhstan via 01206 755 161.

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